Grace Jones Cooper, a descendent of a Jefferson County pioneer family, passed away December 13, 2018. Born November 25, 1925, Grace was the daughter of the late William Mims and Frances Peterson Jones. A lifelong Episcopalian, she was a founding member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church where she remained a faithful member until her death. A graduate of The University of Alabama, she earned a degree in Commerce and Business Administration, an unusual accomplishment for women at that time. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority where she made lifelong friends still cherished today. Grace had an amazing memory with a passion for history. Others often went to her as a valued source for local history. She was an active member of Jefferson County Historical Association, Daughters of the American Revolution John Parke Custis Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy Pelham Chapter No. 67, and Arlington Historical Association. In addition, she was a charter member of The Guild of The Birmingham Music Club and formerly on the Board of The Birmingham Music Club. While raising her children, she particularly enjoyed her neighborhood garden club, Rocks and Rills, which was instrumental in starting Overton Park. She loved to tell stories about Birmingham's history and development, her ancestry, and her travel. Grace was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, James Young Cooper; son, James Young Cooper Jr.; brothers, William Mims Jones and Walter Frank Jones. Survivors include: sons, Mims Jones Cooper (Mary) and Erick Patterson Cooper (Linda); grandchildren, Erick Patterson Cooper Jr., Caroline Elise Cooper, William Jemison Cooper and Nicolas Joseph Broussard; niece, Laura Grace Jones; nephew, Walter Frank Jones Jr. (Jennifer). A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Elmwood Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Reception immediately following the service in the church parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church General Fund, 3775 Crosshaven Drive, Vestavia Hills, AL 35223 or The Birmingham Music Guild Stuart Mims Instrumental Scholarship fund online at www.birminghammusicclubguild.org
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